Astraphobia

/æstrəˈfoʊbiə/ noun

Definition

An intense, irrational fear of lightning and thunder.

Etymology

From Greek 'astrape' meaning 'lightning' combined with 'phobos' meaning 'fear.' This clinical term emerged in the 19th century as psychology began cataloging specific phobias.

Kelly Says

The Greeks had such respect and fear of lightning—as the weapon of Zeus—that they created a specific word for the phobia, showing how ancient cultures' beliefs shaped the psychology vocabulary we still use today!

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